Wide Receivers

Start 'Em:
Wide Receivers Who Will Outperform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

DeSean Jackson @ NYG
After a mid-season lull, Jackson has re-established himself as a dangerous receiving option for the Eagles. In addition to handling punt-return duties, DeSean has also rushed for 98 yards and a TD on 14 carries this season. Figure the Eagles to be coming from behind with McNabb trying to get the ball in the hands of the young speedster early and often.

Jerricho Cotchery @ SF
Cotchery has 15 grabs over his last 3 games and should continue to be one of Brett Favre’s top receiving options this week. I like his chances to score against a 49ers defensive unit that gives up and average of 239.8 passing YPG and have served up 18 TDs through the air. Laveranues Coles should get his too.

Amani Toomer vs. PHI
I will go out on a “limb” and guarantee that Amani won’t be shooting himself in any of his extremities for the remainder of this season. The crafty vet is long removed from his 5 straight 1,000-yard seasons and has taken a back seat to Plax since he came to town, but now its Toomer’s time. He has 9 catches and 2 TDs in his last 2 games. Strike while the iron is hot.

Wes Welker @ SEA
Welker is off the Pats injury report this week despite taking fierce hit from Ryan Clark (who was flagged for unnecessary roughness) in Week 13. It appears he is good to go for a juicy matchup with the Seahawks, who now give up more yards per game than any other NFL team. Welker is 2nd in the NFL with 84 catches and one of these games Cassel is bound to look for someone other than Randy Moss in the red zone.

Michael Jenkins @ NO
Jenkins was disappointing with just 1 catch in Week 13 against the leaky D of the Chargers. I think he will bounce back nicely this week in a game that could see a considerable amount of points scored. The Saints have allowed 19 aerial TDs, tied for the 3rd highest total in the league. Jenkins should set a career high in receiving yardage this week and continue his good play in what has been his best season as a professional.

Bench 'Em:
Wide Receivers Who Will Under Perform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Braylon Edwards @ TEN
Can Braylon’s disappointing season get any worse? Well, with third-string QB Ken Dorsey taking the reins to the Browns sloppy offense this week, it’s probably a better idea to leave Edwards on your bench when you find out. Cleveland is 1 of 6 NFL teams averaging less than 300 yards of offense per game. To make matters worse, the Titans have only allowed 8 aerial TDs and an average of 184.6 passing YPG.

Santana Moss @ BAL
Moss hasn’t scored a TD since October 26 (@ Det). Although he does have 14 grabs in his last 3 games, his receiving yardage (52 YPG) in that span leaves something to be desired. Factor in that this week’s opponent, the Ravens, have picked off 20 passes and allow an average of just 175 YPG.

Antonio Bryant @ CAR
Bryant is another receiver who is arguably having his best season as a professional. His reception total has declined each of the last 4 games, although he does have 2 of his 3 TDs in that time. Although Bryant is a favorite target of Jeff Garcia, I think his numbers will be stifled this week as he will presumably be covered by CB Chris Gamble. The Panthers passing defense has allowed 11 aerial TDs this season, tied for the 4th lowest total in the league.

Muhsin Muhammad vs. TB
Moose’s numbers have taken a hit lately despite scoring 2 TDs in his last 4 games. In that stretch he is averaging 2.5 receptions per game and 36 YPG. Tampa contained Drew Brees last week, intercepting him 3 times. They certainly should be able to limit Delhomme’s opportunities to do damage as well. It’s safe to assume that Steve Smith will get his, but the same can’t be said for Muhammad.

Mark Clayton vs. WAS
Clayton has gotten hot with 240 receiving yards and 2 TDs in his last 2 games. Alas, a meeting with the Redskins should serve to cool him off once again. Washington has one of the better pass defenses in the league, allowing fewer than 200 passing YPG. Stay away from Clayton in what should be a low-scoring game.